Raphael Dias Belloli. Raphinha. That was the name written all over the Spanish Super Cup final.
In a frenetic, end-to-end contest, the Brazilian was the standout performer as FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid to lift the trophy for a record 16th time, and for the second year running.
Once again, the winger proved decisive in ensuring Hansi Flick’s Barça returned from Saudi Arabia with the first silverware of the season. Wearing the number 11, he delivered a superb final (and an outstanding tournament) scoring twice against Real Madrid. His second goal, a clinical finish in the 73rd minute, sealed the decisive 3–2 victory.
Earlier, he had opened the scoring with a trademark strike: a sharp cut inside onto his left foot before firing a precise shot across Thibaut Courtois. It was a performance fully in keeping with the high standards set by the Porto Alegre native, now firmly established as one of Barça’s modern-day idols.
“I try to help the team and do my best”
After the game the man of the match was interviewed by the media. “I try to help the team and do my best. Thanks to the people who awarded me the man of the match trophy but there are team mates who could have won it too. The most important thing is to give my best to help the team,” said Raphinha.
Raphinha’s influence had already been decisive in the semi-final against Athletic Club, where he was also named MVP after scoring twice. One of those goals was a spectacular effort, blasting past Unai Simón into the top corner.
Those four goals in the tournament take his Super Cup tally to six, placing him joint third on the competition’s all-time scoring list, level with Hristo Stoichkov, Txiki Begiristain and team-mate Robert Lewandowski.
There is little doubt: Raphinha leaves Saudi Arabia as one of the great heroes of this Barça triumph.
